Once a Nameless, he had seen the stars, the skies, and everything in between, adventuring without a care in the world. The problem with seeing everything is that things start to become dull in comparison. After trailblazing for most of his life, he...
Grift's eyes fluttered weakly open, greeted by a landscape of unfurling chaos. He glanced down at his clothes, now stained with blood and viscera from his assailants. An explosion thundered dangerously close to his head, jolting him into a state of heightened vigilance. With a surge of adrenaline, he swiftly rose to his feet, retrieving his trusty sidearm with practiced ease. Amidst the cacophony of explosions, a persistent ringing echoed in his ears, dulling his senses. The once-thriving city now lay engulfed in flames, with mountains of bodies scattered beneath the scorching desert sun and a river of blood in the streets. The smell of the bodies filled his nostrils as he gagged. Profanities flew from the townspeople's mouths like reckless projectiles, finding their marks amidst the turmoil. In the streets, they clashed amongst each other in brutal combat, blurring the lines between ally and adversary in the ensuing mayhem.
A noise to his right, swift reflexes guided his aim, and a body dropped.
Another sound from behind, he pivoted, firing without hesitation, another life taken.
Rubble tumbled to his left. As he raised his weapon to quell the threat, his heart sank. There, behind a fallen wall, was a small child cowering in fear. His finger hovered over the trigger, hesitation freezing his movements.
And he fired, the report echoing through the air. Followed by a small, yet distinct thud.
???: "Grift! we need to get to the train! COME ON!"
Grift: "GO ON WITHOUT ME DAMN IT, IM STAYING, I'M FUCKING STAYING!!!"
Three more rounds erupted into the crowd, each one finding its mark and bringing down another unfortunate soul.
A man leaped out in front of him. Reflexes and instincts took control. Grift aimed the gun at the man's forehead and squeezed the trigger.
Click.
He was out of ammo.
The man seized his arm, attempting to drag him away. Recognition flickered. Did I know this man? Long black hair framed a calm expression on his face as he spoke urgently.
???: "Snap out of it, Grift. We've done all we can. We need to go. It's too late for this world. I'm sorry, but we have to leave."
As the words washed over him, Grift's gaze remained fixed on the little girl's lifeless form. He hoped she understood that it wasn't her fault.
He was drenched in a cold sweat, he scanned the room. A girl with oversized sunglasses perched atop her head and flowing silver hair caught his eye, she was absorbed in what appeared to be a game console.
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